CompTIA Newsroom

First NextUp-Funded Classes on Designing Mobile Apps & Infographics to Be Held May 4 & 6

Downers Grove, Ill. — TechGirlz, with funding from CompTIA’s NextUp campaign to interest teens in tech careers, is offering its first computer classes in Chicago this May to middle school girls. Both classes will be offered at Studio Xfinity, 901 W. Weed Street in Chicago. Girls in grades 6-9 can sign up for either event at http://www.techgirlz.org/techshopz/.

On Thursday, May 4, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., girls can learn about designing mobile apps. Working in teams, girls will decide on an app idea and develop a prototype. Attendees will learn techniques to help them communicate a concept, create low-fidelity wireframes, user flows, prototypes and to work within a team.

On Saturday, May 6, from noon to 3 p.m., girls can learn about infographics and how to prove a point with pictures. In the workshop, girls will create their own infographic based on a topic of their choosing, learning the difference between good and bad research, gathering information, then using a free, online tool called Piktochart to make an infographic from the data they collected.

“Multiple studies show girls generally lose interest in science and math studies during middle school. I founded TechGirlz to reach girls at this critical stage and ignite a passion for technology that would sustain them through their lives and careers,” said TechGirlz founder Tracey Welson-Rossman. “I’m excited to bring our programs to Chicago with the help of CompTIA."

Funded by CompTIA and managed by Creating IT Futures, NextUp is partnering with TechGirlz to bring CompTIA’s members and IT pros to TechGirlz activities as mentors and to help TechGirlz expand its activities in the greater Chicago area.

CompTIA members and IT pros can volunteer to be a NextUp mentor by contacting Joan Matz at jmatz@comptia.org. Chicago businesses and organizations that would like to host future TechShopz should contact Tanya Petty at tanya@techgirlz.org.

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s IT industry. Its members are the companies at the forefront of innovation and the professionals responsible for maximizing the benefits organizations receive from their investments in technology. CompTIA is dedicated to advancing industry growth through educational programs, market research, networking events, professional certifications and public policy advocacy. To learn more visit CompTIA online, Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.

About Creating IT Futures
Founded by CompTIA in 1998, Creating IT Futures is a 501(c)(3) charity with the mission of helping populations under-represented in the information technology industry and individuals who are lacking in opportunity to prepare for, secure, and be successful in IT careers. Learn more at www.CreatingITFutures.org. 

About TechGirlz
TechGirlz is a nonprofit that fosters a love for technology in middle school girls. Our free, open source technology courses can be used by anyone to inspire curiosity, impart confidence and build community as the foundation for the application of technology throughout a girl’s career and life. TechShopz courses have been taught by volunteer instructors in ten states and four countries to more than 5,000 girls. To learn more or how you can participate, please visit http://www.techgirlz.org/.

Press Contacts:

Creating IT Futures
630-678-8558
lfasold@comptia.org

Michael Azzano
Cosmo PR for TechGirlz
415-596-1978
michael@cosmo-pr.com